COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION IN MATHEMATICS

     With the technological advancement, computers have become important aids for teaching mathematics. A teacher of mathematics can put to use computers for a variety of purposes such as tutorial sessions, drill and practice, simulation, gaming, mathematical modelling and problem-solving. The use of computers makes the learning interactive and interesting for the students. Other than these the teacher can use the CD’s prepared by the experts to enhance the quality of teaching-learning process.

Computer Assisted Instruction in Mathematics (CAI):

         The most striking innovation in the field of Mathematics is the use of computers in the instructional process. CAI is a natural outgrowth of the application of the principles of programmed instruction in mathematics. The main objective of CAI is to provide the needed flexibility for idealizing the educational process. It meets the needs of a specific learner in a way in which it is almost impossible to do so in a face to face student. Teacher relationship a computer is such a device which can cater to the needs of the individual learners by storing a large amount of information about mathematics.                                                                                                                 

          It can process the information suiting to the needs of the individual learner. It can cater to a great variety of educational needs that range widely with respect of educational levels, subject matter, and style of instruction and level of learning from drill and practice to problem solving.

Definitions:

         It is the use of computer to assist in the presentation of instructional materials to a student to monitor learning process (or) TO select additional instructional material in accordance with the needs of individual learners – International dictionary of education.

Drill and Practice:

        In this to teach basic facts for example, the elementary arithmetic operations. The student is asked answers to questions & the computer tells about the correctness of his response. The pupil is presented with more questions until the material is committed to memory control of learning rests with the computer science and control’s the students’ activity. Although drill and practice programmers might help students memorize facts and information they can go beyond this and ask questions which involve the use of knowledge to supply answers and provide reinforcement and feedback. This made of instruction is very helpful for learning mathematics. Drill and practice plays an important role in fixing the mathematical concepts, rules and formulae in the minds of the students.

Tutorial:

         Tutorial is used to teach basic concepts or methods. The tutorial type utilizes written Explanations, descriptions, questions, problems and graphic illustrations for teaching concepts much like tutor. Tutorial mode is very useful when students show varying levels of conceptual understanding.

          A computer presents information taking into consideration individual differences on aspects like level of understanding, back ground knowledge and information needs. The computer specifies the tasks and on submission of answers by the student, the computer checks and provides feedback. Control of the learning situation rests with the computer.

Steps in Developing CAI:

         The steps in developing CAI are more (or) less the same as those of PLM and are listed below.

a)      Planning

b)      Preparation

c)       Testing

a)  Planning:   Planning a lesson for CAI involves making decisions about the following aspects.

  i) Nature of the target group for whom the instruction is planned:

-          Their age.

-          Previous level of achievement.

-          Medium of Instruction.

ii)  Nature of the topic:

-          Potential for paced, sequenced learning.

-          Scope for using illustrations.

iii) Length of the topic:

                Neither too long nor too short.

iv) Nature of the programme: 

-          Use friendly

-          Opportunities for interactive learning

-          Visual/graphical presentation.

-          Programming language.

B) Preparation:

  Preparation of the lesson for CAI involves the steps, listed below.

-          Stating the objectives.

-          Structuring and organizing the lesson.

-          Writing the program

-          Editing

C) Testing

          The programme is to be tried out and its effectiveness assessed with respect to the following.

-          Program contents.

-          Content presentation and arrangement of structure.

-          Learner’s motivation.

-          Graphic presentation.

-          Essential elements of educational software

Learning Sequence of CAI:

  Following as the learning sequence of CAI.

Orientation information:

 The teacher outlines the topic and presents the objectives verbally.

Directions and procedure:

 The directors embedded in the software are read and understood by the student.

Learning procedure:

  The students familiarize themselves with the learning procedure.

Answering questions:

   The students actively participate by answering questions and evaluate the realization of the objectives.

Feedback:

  The student’s responses are confirmed and immediate feedback is given.

Remedial Instructions:

   Remedial Instructions is provided whenever it is necessary with supplementary materials and references.

Choosing the next learning sequence:

     Students choose the direction for the Next step to be taken i.e., to go to the next unit, or go back to the original unit (or) exit from the program.

CAI Programmes (or) Mode of CAI:

     There are several kinds of CAI programmes (or) modes. There are:

1.       Simulation / Games

2.       Tutorial.

3.       Drill and practice.

4.       Problem solving / Information Retrieval.

5.       Demonstration and

6.       Controlled learning.

1. Simulation / Games:

      The thing that cannot be brought into a classroom (real (or) Imaginary) can be represented by simulations). It is considered to be one of the most powerful applications of educational computing.

 2. Tutorial:

     Tutorial is used to teach basic concepts (or) Methods. The tutorial type utilizes written Explanations, descriptions, questions, problems and graphic illustrations for teaching concepts much like tutor.

3. Drill and Practice:

    Drill and practice provide of practice in specific subject, solving mathematical problems and soon. Students participate and practice and receive feedback on their performance. Drill and practice plays an important role in fixing the Mathematical concepts and rules and formulae in the minds of students.

4) Problem solving (or) Information Retrieval:

       Computer provides a wide variety of problems and allows and students to focus on the synthesis of ideas and skills that lead to the solution of problems.

5) Demonstration:

    Demonstration is considered to be the very important part in Mathematics teaching. There are so many demonstration software available through which can do demonstrations very easily.

6) Controlled learning:

     It has of both drill and Practice with in it. The teacher may specify the topics in advance and also introduce the fundamental concepts in mathematics. Then, the students practice fundamental skills of their own.

Advantages of CAI:

     The benefit advantages of CAI can be enumerated as under.

1.       CAI enhances quality of education and saves instructional time.

2.       It is interactive and involves the student actively in the learning process.

3.       Learning is student-based and self-paced.

4.       Learning is more private and reinforcements are immediate.

5.       CAI is best suited for remedial teaching.

6.       CAI saves time for creative work.

7.       CAI is particularly helpful for slow learners.

8.       The graphics facility is a powerful aid in enhancing intuition, especially in giving insight into mathematical formulae.

Disadvantages of CAI:

1.       There is lack of personal if the entire course is taught through CAI.

2.       It is difficult to get suitable software for our Indian requirements.

3.       Cost may be an important factor of consideration for the Indian schools as computer can be an expensive.

4.       Long hours of CAI could result in fatigue.